Let me know WHY you prefer a sleeping bag or quilt - especially if you have tried BOTH! Before you discount quilts, check out this video busting 5 myths about backpacking quilts: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nZlolZWmm9CYc6s.html

my sleeping bag zipper broke and now its a quilt

I bought a Coleman sleeping bag for -15 about 4 years ago. It’s light and a quilt if unzipped. I love this thing. I was homeless during the winter and if it wouldn’t of been for this bag, I would of froze to death in the back of my car which had no heat. The heater core was shot. I swear by this thing and if it ever wears out, I definitely will buy another. Now I have an apartment and still use it because I have asthma and have no heat on in my bedroom plus the window is cracked. I sleep like a baby. It’s my security blanket also. Lol Best $80.00 I ever spent.

Straight to the point, speaking fast, no BS. I like your style! 👍

OMG I just spent hours researching sleeping bags for my first purchase, now I opened a new door :)), thank you for the nice video

I have given up on quilts other than for summer use, for which they are great. But as soon it gets below freezing I go for a sleeping bag. Draft, even the slightest, is your worst enemy when it gets cold and I've never managed to get rid of that in a quilt (and I have tried all the tricks).

thank you, all good points, just like you have said: different strokes for different folks, I own both quilts and sleeping bags, and would use quilts only in the summer, once temperature falls below 40F I feel much more cozy and comfortable in a close up sleeping bag with the hood on my bald head. It's much more comfortable for me to sleep just in the thermal base layer in the cocoon sleeping bag then to have a fleece, or puffy on me with the hood or hat, so for me quilt wins in the summer, other three seasons sleeping bags

I’m using a western mountaineering “Alpinelite” 20 degrees sleeping bag , that have a full zipper- all the to the toe box. In colder nights i will close him up , but when it’s warm i use it as kind of a quilt, like a big blanket with insulated foot box. So in my opinion a good and wide* sleeping bag can be pretty versatile 😊 I almost got myself a UGQ bandit , but tried the WM and got hooked- i can toss & turn inside and I’m a side sleeper. I love the concept of quilts but the throwback for me is the drafts issue, the open foot box , and the lack of hood , no matter what people say , when it’s freezing - it’s great to have the hood on top for extra coziness! 😅😉 Anyway- i love you’re video’s & you’re content. Keep on man!

🤯 wow, I never considered a quilt before this. Now I believe I would sleep much better in a quilt vs getting twisted up in a bag. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to the video on how to choose the right quilt. Not sure whether to go with 850 or 950 fill.

Thank you for such a concise and informative video. I have claustrophobia and have a very hard time with sleeping bags. This alleviates my fears about being warm enough... especially since i have no plans to do extreme winter camping.

I dont know I got stuck in a bad snow storm 12 miles in and 11,000 feet up. If I didn't have my sleeping bag I would have been really miserable.

excellent video! very well spoken and great information. Thanks for showing the bottom of the quilt!

I've got a couple quilts that I've modified with hooks and draw strings on the ends to be used both on the ground and for an under/over in a hammock. I love quilts for their versatility and comfort. I pretty much exclusively use quilts from around 0C and up. I however almost always use sleeping bags in the winter months. I like sleeping bags for winter because they're just better at trapping air and give you a more consistent warmth; which for me is so essential when you deal with all the general work that goes into winter camping; a good sleep is needed. I find I have allot more of those 4am wake up in the dark type mornings when using a quilt. With sleeping bags I'm more likely to sleep in late rather than wake up early. Personal preference is all. Go with whatever gives you a better sleep. Don't be a gram weenie when it comes to a comfortable sleep.

I’m happy to know that this is an option. I am an active sleeper and I don’t like being confined.

The new Thermarest Trail Pro is nice to sleep on bare as it has a soft knit feel, it’s also ridiculously comfortable!

The money you spend on a better pad offsets the additional cost. $100 doesn't mean squat when you need the warmth out in the woods. Good review, but controlling the air around your body with a sleeping bag in extreme conditions is critical.

Great enthusiasm. Thankyou for sharing 😊

My mom an grandma made custom quilts to fit our new sleeping bags from a quilting frame! Then using long stitches added to sleeping bag! When need cleaning easily removed from bag an replaced because they were custom shaped for each bag!

I'm really tempted to try one, I'm going to wait for things warm up a little so I can try it with something light and cheap then get something warmer if I get on with it.

I liked being able to zip up in a sleeping bag in AT shelters without fear of a mouse getting in my bag with me.

As always well explained and edited but not enough reasons for me to change from my Sea to Summit Ascent A2 bag. I like the cocoon effect it gives. Great for couch surfing too.

great video... thanks Justin

Very informative and well said. Thanks for sharing.

Dynamic tensioning and extra wide (60") quilts helps reduce drafts even further

So happy to have found out about quilts! I cant sleep in sleeping bags due to RLS (restless leg syndrome) as i need to stretch my legs around in different positions. so havnt been hiking for years! So excited to get one of these quilts so i can get back into hiking again!!! Wish I heard about these years ago!!!

Good video. I believe you summed it up when you said that quilts are for 3 seasons. I fit's below freezing, it's a bag for me.

Thank you from Scotland very useful and informative about this issue

I cannot but agree with you Justin. I bought a quilt last year from UGQ and I've used it ever since. I toss and turn when I sleep too so it's so comfortable to have a quilt, I'll never get back to a sleeping bag

great video! I like your style - direct-thorough thank you

In the UK the Snugpack jungle blanket gets great reviews as a light weight summer only quilt. It's very cheap. The hammock & tarp/stealth campers seem to like it most. Often used as an extra layer at night or when sitting up around camp.

I've been using quilts for over 40 years. I'm not keen on mummy style sleeping bags. The few sleeping bags I still have are the old envelope style and I open them up and use them as quilts.

Thank you 😊

this is the best and most honest comparison between the two that i've seen!!!!!! thank you for helping me make a decision & bringing up the points ab extreme temp conditions and the feeling of being cocooned because those two things make a difference to me :-)

Great vid. I got a quilt for the first time. Looking forward to test it. Greetings from Slovakia

Brilliant :-) Thanks Justin Outdoors.You always describe & explain things so clearly. I'm going to take a look to see what options we have here in Scotland. Sending best wishes *

im a very active sleeper and use and have used lots of sleep systems , if below freezing is expected i always go to sleeping bags, above freezing i quite enjoy my quilts but as it gets colder holding on to the warmth has not been consistent enough to think one system is better. the hood of mummy bags plays a pretty important role as well as the draft baffles in the bag for managing heat loss. there is no such thing as better when it comes to equipment for going outside just trades.

Your reviews are the BEST- very in depth and helpful for all of us that are new and in the process of shelling out big bucks trying to dial in the gear.. I bought the Magma 15 about 4 months ago, and I love it- huge loft & warmth- no complaints, but My UGQ 10 Degree Bandit is in production right now. Need to drop that pound. Cant Wait. My hesitation & concerns were like everyone else's, but when I was too lazy to fix the Zipper on the Magma one night, I just left it open & used it like a quilt. No Problem for me, and Im a cold sleeper. Thanks again.

4:32 I like the way you laid this information out in an honest way. A lot of people present this concept that the insulation underneath you in a sleeping bag is completely and totally useless when you lay on it, and that is a dramatic oversimplification. Yes, you compress the down below you and it isn't insulation you the same way properly lofted down on top is, but your body is not a brick with equal weight distribution and flat surfaces. Your limbs, torso, and head are rounded, meaning only the down directly under the muscle is fully compressed while the rest of the down still provides insulation. There is a still a lot of down around the edges of your limbs and in between your legs that remains at least partially lofted and does still provide insulation value. Lots of good reasons to go with a quilt as you highlight here, but so many people fail to understand the much more complicated and nuanced comparison. A sleeping bag is still warmer by design, but quilts can be extremely warm and effective if used correctly. The ability to move around freely inside the quilt is the biggest advantage to me, but i still prefer a sleeping bag in below freezing temps. Even with some compressed insulation, it has a cozier and warmer feel to me. Sleeping directly on the pad just doesn't provide that same warm and cozy feeling, but to each their own!

Great work on video mate greetings from Spain 👍👍👍

Great points and consistent with my experience. 👍🏼For sure a quilt convert

Great review Justin

Good video mate ordering a quilt to try 👍

So basically I unzip my sleeping bag all the way and use it as a blanket and call it quilt.

This has answered a lot of my questions, I live in the UK so I know if you are saying that they are warm they must be good lol Think I might end up getting one soon Thank you 👍

One of the first guys to mention pad cover! Love mine with a quilt it’s literally like sleeping on a mattress

Nice job!!!

Kool video! I used my Bandit late September last year in Trail Camp and the winds were howling but with base layers and a beanie, I felt warm enough. I was more concerned that my tent was going to collapse but all went well. 😎

For warmer climates and seasons I would agree and sometimes even a cheap and thin microfiber blanket would suffice. I live in Scandinavia where the temperatures in the winter can go below -20 C. I can confirm right away that anything besides a good sleeping bag will not be adequate at all and will guarantee a cold night with the possibility of death. In regards to being restricted and not being able to move around in your sleep that's something one has to accept and get used to since you really only want to allow enough of a opening around your face to breathe. Basically you should remain on your back.

Just purchased a 25 degree quilt. It is like sleeping under a warm cloud! I love it.

Thanks for the video..I've had no luck with sleeping bags. I am looking for a three season system for in the rockies. Maybe this will do.

Thanks man. Didn't know these existed.

Great video! Definitely getting myself a quilt! What pad cover was that at 6:00?

I recently started using a quilt by outdoor vitals 30 degree down has a built in foot box I enjoy the freedom of movement in a quilt and the weight savings you just have to make sure you use the right sleep pad for the time of year you are in🤙🏻

Nice share! I am an active sleeper and prefer a sleeping bag, but I saved for so long for my Katabatic 5 degree quilt, I just stick with it. I do like the weight savings though. I had never thought of a sleeping bad sheet! I am going to have to give that a try!

This video helped my perspective a lot so thank you. I’m looking to start doing overnight backpacking trips and my sleep system is something I’m not too sure of. I’m looking for something that will keep me comfortable from April-October/November in New York but I’m concerned about being too hot for summer. I’ve been thinking of getting a 40 degree sleeping bag and also getting a liner to help with the colder parts of April, October/November. I was looking at some 30-40 degree bags but now I think a quilt is the way to go. I do run hot when I’m sleeping so I think the versatility and wide range of a quilt would benefit me. What should I be looking for in quilts? The sleeping pads I’m considering have an R-value of 3-4.5. Probably the Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core(3.2) or the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core (4.5). Do I need to search for a higher R-value with a quilt? Any advice could help. Sorry for the essay lmao.

Great vid thx Justin. Already spent money on sleeping bags but I think in retrospect the quilt would have been a better choice

My biggest concern as someone that does some back country hunting is protection from the elements if something goes wrong. Like shelter gets blown away or ruined somehow....or a rewarming drill is required. Can you elaborate on how quilts would preform in those situations? Thanks!

Tried a quilt this year, very nice on the comfort and versatility size, but it really sucks when it's getting near the cold limit. (And that can be like 5° C). No matter how careful you are, draft is a serious problem which you don't have with sleeping bags. So with this experience, I probably would like best a Quilt with full length zipper or a sleeping bag without hoody. Don't forget, that you use nearly all sleeping bags quilt style with the zipper open.

Just learned something new about "Compression". Thank you

@Justin Outdoors Good video, liked all your points. But I still have some concerns, bear with as I will list some. First is the draft factor. As you are not sealed in every time you toss or turn you create an opening for cold air to make it's way in. Yes you could use pad straps but then you have created a sleeping bag. Secondly because I have researched the enigma on the ugq site. After adding some extra features to the quilt such as extra length, width, foot box and over stuff. The price is every bit as expensive as a winter sleeping bag. Now all of these features may not be necessary but I am 6'3" and an active sleeper some would be important. I do have a nemo riff which does suit some of my backcountry sleep needs. Due to it's spoon shape. It allows us side sleepers some room to move. Justin look into the nemo tango solo it may be an option. Thanks again

I`m lucky enough to have inhabited both worlds for a few decades now. A much loved and well used 30 year old RAB 1000 now lives in a closet unless I`m backpacking. Now being of an age where comfort is paramount I do more in the way of driving to a campsite, so.,..more luggage. I currently take with me two down double size quilts, one a very light summer one of 4.5 tog and a heavier autumn one which is 12.5 tog. There are many varied and interesting combinations that can be made with a thermorest mat and 2 quilts. A quilt sandwich is especially comfy on a cold night.

Incredible video quality on this. What camera are you using? Really sharp.

My quilt experience is very limited, just a single night of using my WM EverLite 45F bag as a quilt to try it out. If you’re not familiar with the EverLite, it’s basically a trapezoidal blanket with a zipper on the long (non-parallel) sides and drawstrings at each end. I’d zipped it about 1/3 up, tied the foot drawstring, and put the zipper underneath me. I used elastic mitten clips for kids to hold the edges down under me LOL. I used the Velcro strap and drawstring at the neck end to close it up some around my neck. When I moved during the night drafts would still come in from the area around the zipper pull. I’m not a very active sleeper, I roll from one side to another a few times and that’s it. Unless I get chilly, that is. So I’d pull the zipper up more and more until the drafts stopped. By this time the zipper was up to the small of my back, and at that point I might as well just have zipped it all the way and put it to either side. Now this is not a tight bag, chest/shoulder circumference is 65” and I have PLENTY of room in it. I can even wear a lightweight down jacket in it to add 6-8 degrees F of warmth without compressing the down. Put the hood on and snug the top drawstring on the bag, it feels just like a mummy bag. It does work great as an overquilt to make my Sierra Designs 15F Mobile Mummy 800 a true ~15F bag, but as a quilt for my sole insulation at 50F or so it’s no good. I’ve never understood the quilt comparison with your bed at home beyond neither the quilt or blanket extending underneath you fully, either. Unless your bed is no wider than your sleeping pad, anyway. A 5-6 foot wide queen or king size bed and the blanket that hangs down a foot on each side is nothing like a 25” wide pad with a quilt that has maybe inches of extra fabric at most. The Zenbivy or Backcountry Bed concept is much more like your bed at home. As far as sleeping bags being restrictive, they DO come in different sizes. Buy one that gives you a little room! My 6’6” NEMO Sonic 0F has a 69” chest/shoulder circumference, I’m not that big but it gives me plenty of room to put clothing and gear to dry out or keep warm overnight. There’s even plenty of room for my boots in the inside-out sleeping bag compression sack at the foot. Put the boots in, then my down jacket to wrap loosely around my bare feet, and water bottle, clothing, phone, headlamp, etc, between my knees and around my thighs, keeps everything warm, dry, and accounted for in the morning. The bag moves with me, my face is always in the opening, and that insulation that was useless when it was under my back is now very useful when it’s facing the tent wall.

I recommend western mountaineering alpinlite sleeping bag. It can be used also as a quilt if the temperature is not too cold. Just buy enought long.

if the weather is good, a quilt will work just fine. If the weather is ugly, take a good sleeping bag and a good well insulated ground-pad to keep you off the ground. Also, in bad weather, if weight is not a constraint, take a good rated synthetic sleeping bag. If using a quilt, remember that some ground-pads are made for sleeping bags; they are not meant to have the sleeper lying directly on the pad. For example the "Klymit static V". THe deep "V" in the pad is there to allow the loft of the sleeping bag to fill-in the deep "V" and thus insulate your body from the ground. Lying directly on this type of pad as you would when using a quilt gives you zero insulation.

I just got a 4.5 meter belted plaid or traditional kilt along with an Army surplus wool blanket. Im wanting to see if I can twill crochet a full hemp yarn plaid with a makeshift loom to see how both wool and hemp compare.

Maybe quilts are cheaper in the US but not in Europe. There are very few quilt offers and as you eluded to, they are custom-made = expensive. Sleeping bags are regularly on offer so that you hardly ever have to buy them at MSRP, not so for quilts. - I would say, in Europe a comparable quilt is at least 50% higher in price than a sleeping bag. All of that aside, my next piece of sleeping insulation will be a quilt for all the reasons you mentioned.

The "active sleeper" comments just sold me on quilts! Thanks!

Man your Camara is sooo clear. Good video. :)

One Planet Quilts actually can be interlocked into their sleeping bags for even more insulation therefore making their sleeping bags even more warmer when needed, which seems to be great system when considering summer and winter sleeping bag systems

I'm a side sleeper and I start in the fetal position with my legs curled but then after a bit I like my legs with with one straight and the other Pushed out, . The only way to go for me is a quilt with pad straps. A bag is too constricting. I'm short and like to pull the quilt over my head, If I want my head out of the quilt I have a separate down hood. The quilt is an UQO 10* with extra down in the foot box. I love it. To prevent condensation from dripping and wetting my quilt, I carry a contractor size trash bag and slip my sleep system into it. This effectively stops any possible drafts as well and adds a couple of degrees warmth as well. I'm a happy camper.

Weekend warrior here 👊🏾 I just ordered my decathlon coat and fleece! Getting my gear updated! I’ve only gone backpacking 6 times I think, all one nighters. Oh! What’s your discount code for the outfitting company? I think you said it in one of your videos..

So i sleep a bit colder. Looking to not be limited whatsoever by my sleep system. Diving back into winter camping and your vids did inspire me to get gear situated. Adirondack mountains are similiar in climate to your Canadian rockies. My Polar Ranger arrives Friday 😀. I am intrigued by quilts though bc like you I am an active sleeper. I have a decent roomy 30° mummy. But I bet I'm ginna purchase a quilt. So still staying with the polar ranger right? Also you forgot to mention (in this vid) is that the quilt can serve to go over you bag and increase the temp. I'm interested in how "quilt loops" work on the ranger.

I love how you pronounce bag. As if it’s written with an e and an accent grave. I’m middle eastern living in the states and I’m fascinated by accents.

Love this video! I'm getting a quilt! Tired of a confining bag.

One problem is a lot of the sleeping bags don't have room. A long time ago sleeping bags had much more room now the new bags are so tight around you. The quilt might be a better option.

Amazing video! I have an sts Ether Light xt insulated large mat myself. Do you have suggestions for a nice pad cover to use with it?

One thing i really wish i could find.. is a Light weight fur quilt.. I have many fur blankets for home and would love to use outdoors...

great video

Nice i love it 👍

Nice video Justin, Question for you. I have broads shoulders and my elbows are kind of falling off the sleeping pad when I'm sleeping on my back. My sleeping bag keep my elbows on the pad. Do you think that the pad strap with my quilt could keep my elbows on the pad as well? Thanks

Sleeping bags designed for lower temperatures have a reduced volume facility using alternate zips. I've found having the smaller volume of air in the bag constricts movement and eliminates the very important air gap insulation between body and sleeping bag inner. You can then feel cold spots when the bag is too tight which is contrary to what is intended. I've also found that turning over in a constricting bag causes the inner and outer material to stretch and sandwich and compress the filling, again creating cold spots. A quilt stays puffed up all night, permitting active movement, as you say. The only con with a quilt is that side gaps and draughts can occur for active sleepers.

A sleeping bag is far better than a quilt. A good quality expedition down sleeping bag also allows you to move about freely and roll over inside the bag, due to them having wide fittings at the shoulders and feet. So there is no restriction involved. A quilt is extremely cumbersome and restrictive around the head/neck...and very uncomfortable. The only use for a quilt is on a bed at home.

I use a full zip bag as a quilt so I can foot box or not if I want.

Awesome video. What quilt brands would you recommend?

" A quilt will still have a little bit of draft no matter what you do", you said it, and that's why quilts suck. I tried a quilt for 4 years, I gave it a fair shake on section hikes of the PCT, CDT and the Colorado Trail and multiple other overnights. I toss and turn all night long and I am a side sleeper, managing the draft was too much and I actually felt more confined in a quilt than in a sleeping bag. There is no rule that says you have to sleep in a sleeping bag completely zipped up, just open it up and treat it like a quilt. By the time you custom order a quilt that's wide enough and long enough the help manage the draft, it's within an ounce or two of a sleeping bag, at that point why buy an inferior quilt? If a quilt works for you, great, don't assume because you can overlook their serious shortcomings that it's a viable solution for everyone.

Every quilt lover seems to think a sleeping bag can be used only one way, they compare tge price of a quilt compared to the most expensive sleeping bag and then tell you you need a more expensive sleeping pad thereby negating any real cost savings and they also wind up buying more quilts in the same temp rating because after all their quilt loving they find they never really pan out and wind up with several summer quilts. Sleeping baggers tend to only buy another one to either save weight or just feel it's time for a new one. the evidence is all over youtube lolol. **having said that, I understand the plight of the high mileage hiker and thru hiker's need to shave weight and 4-6+oz on 1 item can literally save them hundreds of $$$ and time as to limit the need to do a complete gear overhaul. And your efforts help us lo mile and newbie hikers get better prepared! Good stuff!!!

Just came home from a shelter trip. Bought myself a wintersleeping bag. Did not sleep at all. I have board shoulders and have a tendency to sleep laying on my arms with a pillow intbetween or with them to the sides. I am definitely gonna try a quilt after watching this video. Can you recommend one for winter trips?

Awesome video. Just very curious how your friend knew what temperature it got down to at night? I’ve always wondered when camping myself

This is an awesome informative video, Justin. Good job!

Awesome video, love that tent! Which marmot is that? I have the marmot limelight 2 p it is like a hotel room inside lol. I had never considered a quilt but now I am questioning the idea..... damn you “thru hiker..... damn you and your great ideas” lol. Thanks for sharing

Hello, obviously in a sleeping bag you have a draft collar etc to tighten up to keep the warm air in, surely these are not as warm as a sleeping bag, but the comfort looks good!

Exactly the video I needed! I am now convinced this will be my next gear purchase. Can’t wait to check out next weeks video to help with that! 🤗

Good video. I recently purchased a quilt and I have spent four nights in it this winter. I find I am having difficulty getting comfortable and sleeping. I have been cold and struggling to adjust the quilt. I like to sleep on my stomach. I also need a winter sleeping pad. Any suggestions on how to set up and adjust quilt with sleeping pad would be great. As I said I like to sleep on my stomach with my arms out passed my head which is not good in cold weather. I like the look of the pillow in the video, how makes it

I've got a Dutch mil-surplus sleeping bag & it weighs.....well, not sure but it takes a jack to move it 🤣🤣

Justin! What boots are you wearing?! Those look like they would be so great in sloppy snow...

Quilt for summer and as a top piece over sleeping bag in winter only (10 degrees C. the lowest) temp regulation in warm conditions is better due to its open construction. I would not use a quilt for low temps as it defeats the way you stay warm in cold temps (your body is the heater and your insulation is the keeper of that heat, the more space between your body and your insulation the more air that needs to be heated therefore more energy required; now you want to have a sealed and close envelope of insulation to keep that precious warmth form escaping away from you, and that includes your neck and head) quilts leave dead space and gaps between your body and the envelope along the side of your body when wrapped around the mattress; mattress is flat your body is not. Additionally the lack of a continuous layer of insulation wrapping your entire body (your neck and head are part of your body) lets you having to address that deficiency by wearing beanies, balaclavas or a jackets with a hoodie, that are actually meant to be active insulation not passive( if you have to wear a belay parka to sleep you might as well not bring anything else to sleep over the mat) . get the best appropriate reliable gear for the season and conditions that your budget allows that does not require unnecessary fiddling and workarounds to do what is supposed to do and save yourselves from an uncomfortable (or potentially dangerous) sleep in cold temps.

Ain’t talking about Grandma’s quilts. Hers weigh about fifteen pounds

Heat loss from your back being exposed. You would have to get a really high rated R-value sleeping pad (which negates seem weight savings from the quilt), also would have to wear an extra clothing layer too. Not convinced, yet..

I would love to hear your recommendation for a quilt for an 8 day bike packing trip to Iceland in summer Camping each night in our tent